Community Empowerment Matters

  Every small business/nonprofit leader must account for the risks that come with operating their enterprise; some leaders opt to mitigate certain risks by purchasing insurance policies . Because insurance policies are legal contracts [1] , insurance companies aim to write these policies such that they are completely unambiguous (especially since courts will interpret any ambiguities against the insurance company [2] ). Somewhat ironically, though, insurance companies achieve “unambiguity” in their policies by using a lot of words, many of which are unfamiliar to most readers. Insurance policies are thus infamously difficult for most people to wrap their heads around [3] . The tips that follow, though not exhaustive, will give you a “springboard” toward understanding your policy and what it covers (and, perhaps even more importantly, what it doesn’t cover). When in doubt, talk to your insurance broker or another expert. The tips below are meant to be generally applicable. If, afte

                                             Image source: https://images.app.goo.gl/SiLaqbQu3mmQBzbJ7 Many small-business owners want to secure the protection of their brand names, logos, and slogans from unauthorized use by others. One powerful solution is to register one’s trademarks with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). While there are many factors to consider when choosing which trademarks to use and register, one important consideration is whether the trademark might run afoul of a concept known as dilution by blurring. What is dilution by blurring? In short, dilution by blurring (or simply “dilution” [1] ) is the use of a trademark which is sufficiently similar to a famous trademark such that it reduces the public’s perception of the distinctiveness or uniqueness of the famous trademark. [2] Unlike trademark infringement, dilution does not require a likelihood of confusion. All that is required is that your trademark impair the distinctiveness of a famous mark.

               Tribal economic development in Indian Country is a growing field needed to address often forgotten communities. Native people often live in rural communities, and unemployment rates on reservations are often above fifty percent. [1] In short, the need for jobs and economic investment is huge. Thus, the investment in tribal economic development is important because tribes can become more self-reliant and support their communities. There is so much potential for economic growth in Indian Country, and with the right tools and guidance, tribes have real possibilities to become economic powerhouses. For example, the Mississippi Choctaw has become one of the ten largest private employers in the state of Mississippi. [2] Economic development, however, cannot be done without addressing significant challenges. The biggest areas where tribes struggle with economic development are management, cultural awareness, planning, and the eventual outcomes of economic development. This